Social Distancing Apparatus

ABSTRACT

The present disclosure generally relates to a social distancing device to ensure people maintain a recommended social distance apart. The device is compact for ease in carrying when not in use, yet extendible to the recommended social distance, which in the case of COVID-19 was six feet. When in use, the device extends exactly the recommended social distance from the end of the handle to the tip of the device. Hence, a user can hold the device in one hand and ensure that no other person is closer than the tip of the device. By using the device, proper social distancing recommended by the government can be maintained.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE Field of the Disclosure

Embodiments of the present disclosure generally relate to a device to ensure proper social distancing.

Description of the Related Art

In early 2020, COVID-19, oftentimes referred to as coronavirus, began to ravage the globe. As the virus spread, countries all over the globe struggled to contain the virus. Despite their best efforts, the virus continued to spread.

One front for combating the virus was developing a vaccine, but a vaccine would be months away. In the meantime, governments all over the globe encouraged its citizens to wear masks to cover both the mouth and nose. The hope of using a mask was to minimize the likelihood of an individual carrying COVID-19 to spread the virus to others through breathing, talking, sneezing, coughing, etc.

Scientists believed that the virus spread through the air when an individual with COVID-19 exhaled, coughed, sneezed, or even spoke. However, scientists believed that if people around the globe practiced social distancing, the spread of the virus could be reduced. Many governments, including the United States of America, provided guidelines to its citizens to socially distance from others. This distance, referred to as the recommended social distance, was set at a minimum of six feet distance for COVID-19. It is to be understood that the recommended social distance could change based upon guidelines from the Center for Disease Control (CDC). The recommended social distance was not just between people, but also between desks, workstations, stickers on the floor indicating where to stand, etc. It was believed that the recommend social distance, coupled with the use of a mask, would help reduce the spread of the virus. Additionally, in situations where wearing a mask was not possible, it was believed that maintaining the recommended social distance of at least six feet would permit some forms of gathering such as shopping for food, waiting in an emergency room, etc.

Naturally, people tried to ensure the recommended social distance was maintained. In some cases, people just “eyeballed” or estimated the recommended social distance. Others got a little more creative and used items such as pool noodles. Pool noodles, unfortunately, are quite flexible yet bulky. Additionally, carrying a pool noodle everywhere, even when no swimming location is anywhere nearby, is not the most desired option.

Therefore, there is a need in the art for a device to ensure the recommended social distancing.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure generally relates to a social distancing device to ensure people maintain a recommended social distance apart. The device is compact for ease in carrying when not in use, yet extendible to the proper recommended social distance, which in the case of COVID-19, was initially set to six feet. When in use, the device extends exactly the recommended social distance from the end of the handle to the tip of the device. Hence, a user can hold the device in one hand and ensure that no other person is closer than the tip of the device. By using the device, proper social distancing recommended by the government can be maintained.

In one embodiment, a social distancing device comprises: a handle portion, wherein the handle portion includes four indentations, a first end and a second end; a tip portion, wherein the tip portion comprises a circular element having a first tip portion end and a second tip portion end; and a middle portion coupled between the tip portion and the handle portion, wherein the middle portion comprises a plurality of pieces coupled together such that each piece has a different diameter, wherein the plurality of pieces are movable to extend to lengthen the middle portion and retract to shorten the middle portion, wherein each piece extends from a first position where more than fifty percent of a respective piece is contained within an adjacent piece and a second position where less than fifty percent of the respective piece is contained within the adjacent piece, wherein the social distance device has a length of exactly a recommended social distance from the first end to the first tip portion end when the middle portion is fully extended.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

So that the manner in which the above recited features of the present disclosure can be understood in detail, a more particular description of the disclosure, briefly summarized above, may be had by reference to embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. It is to be noted, however, that the appended drawings illustrate only typical embodiments of this disclosure and are therefore not to be considered limiting of its scope, for the disclosure may admit to other equally effective embodiments.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are schematic side views of a fully retracted social distancing device.

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the social distancing device of FIG. 1A viewed from the tip.

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the social distancing device of FIG. 1A viewed from the handle.

FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of the fully extended social distancing device of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of two individuals not socially distanced.

FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of the two individuals of FIG. 5 socially distanced using the social distance device of FIG. 1A.

To facilitate understanding, identical reference numerals have been used, where possible, to designate identical elements that are common to the figures. It is contemplated that elements disclosed in one embodiment may be beneficially utilized on other embodiments without specific recitation.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following, reference is made to embodiments of the disclosure. However, it should be understood that the disclosure is not limited to specific described embodiments. Instead, any combination of the following features and elements, whether related to different embodiments or not, is contemplated to implement and practice the disclosure. Furthermore, although embodiments of the disclosure may achieve advantages over other possible solutions and/or over the prior art, whether or not a particular advantage is achieved by a given embodiment is not limiting of the disclosure. Thus, the following aspects, features, embodiments and advantages are merely illustrative and are not considered elements or limitations of the appended claims except where explicitly recited in a claim(s). Likewise, reference to “the disclosure” shall not be construed as a generalization of any inventive subject matter disclosed herein and shall not be considered to be an element or limitation of the appended claims except where explicitly recited in a claim(s).

The present disclosure generally relates to a social distancing device to ensure people maintain a recommended social distance apart. The device is compact for ease in carrying when not in use, yet extendible to the recommended social distance, which in the case of COVID-19 was originally six feet. When in use, the device extends exactly the recommended social distance from the end of the handle to the tip of the device. Hence, a user can hold the device in one hand and ensure that no other person is closer than the tip of the device. By using the device, proper social distancing recommended by the government can be maintained.

FIGS. 1A and 1B are a schematic side view of a fully retracted social distancing device 100. FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of the social distancing device 100 of FIG. 1A viewed from the tip. FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of the social distancing device 100 of FIG. 1A viewed from the handle. FIG. 4 is a schematic illustration of the fully extended social distancing device 100 of FIG. 1A. The device 100 includes a handle portion 102, a tip portion 104, and a middle portion 106.

It is to be understood that the recommended social distance at the time of COVID-19 was set at six feet. The recommended social distance can change based upon recommendations from the CDC. For example, the CDC could change the recommended social distance from six feet to three feet for COVID-19. Alternatively, for different scenarios, the recommended social distance can change. Hence, unless specifically claimed at six feet, the recommended social distance is understood to not be limited to six feet.

In the embodiment shown and discussed, the recommended social distance is six feet, which was the recommended social distance at the time of the COVID-19 global pandemic. For changes in the recommended social distance by the CDC, it is to be understood that the length measurements disclosed herein will proportionally be adjusted.

The handle portion 102 has a length 108 of between about 4 inches and about 4.25 inches, and a width or diameter 110 of between about 1 inch and about 1.25 inches. The handle portion 102 includes a plurality of indentations 112, one for each finger when held in a handle. Each indentation 112 has a length 114 of between about 0.5 inches and about 0.75 inches. The handle portion 102 includes an outer shell 116 into which each indentation 112 is disposed. Each indentation 112 has a depth 118 of between about 0.1 inch and about 0.2 inches from the outer edge 120 of the outer shell 116. The indentations 112 are exposed portions of an inner shell of the handle portion 102. The inner shell may comprise colorful foam. In one embodiment, the outer shell 116 comprises black foam. In another embodiment, the outer shell 116 comprises colorless foam. In another embodiment, the outer shell 116 comprises plastic. The first end 122 of the handle portion 102 and the second end 124 of the handle portion 102 have rounded or beveled edges 126 connecting the outer edge 120 to the first end 122 and second end 124.

The handle portion 102 includes a lanyard attachment mechanism 128 having a stem portion 130 and a ring portion 132. The stem portion 130 extends a distance 134 of between about 0.05 inches and about 0.1 inch from the first end 122. The ring portion 132 has an outer diameter 136 of between about 0.25 inches and about 0.35 inches. The lanyard attachment mechanism 128 comprises a metal, such as steel and/or aluminum, but it is to be understood that the lanyard attachment mechanism 128 may comprise plastic.

The lanyard attachment mechanism 128 is utilized to attach a lanyard 138 thereto. The lanyard 138 attaches to the ring portion 132.The lanyard 138 includes a string or cord portion 140 and a tightening mechanism 142. In one embodiment, the string or cord portion 140 comprises fabric. It is contemplated that the string or cord portion 140 could comprise other materials such as plastic or cotton. The tightening mechanism 142 comprises fabric and string, but it is understood that the tightening mechanism 142 may comprise other materials such as leather.

The tip portion 104 includes a spherical or rounded or globe circular element 144 having a diameter 146 of between about 0.3 inches and about 0.5 inches. The tip portion 104 is coupled to the middle portion 106 at an end 148 of the element 144 that is opposite the end 150 at the tip of the tip portion 104. Suitable materials for the element 144 include metal, plastic, or foam.

The middle portion 106 includes a plurality of pieces 402, 404, 406, 408, 410, 412, 414. The pieces 402, 404, 406, 408, 410, 412, 414 comprise metal or plastic. The first piece 402 has a diameter 152 of between about 0.4 inches and about 0.6 inches and a length 416 of between about 5.75 inches and about 6 inches. The first piece 402 is fixedly attached to the second end 124 of the handle portion 102. A second piece 404 has a diameter 154 of between about 0.4 inches and about 0.6 inches. The second piece 404 is movably attached to the first piece 402 such that the second piece 404 is extendable from the first piece 402. More specifically, the second piece 404 is movable to extend from a position where more than fifty percent of the second piece 404 is contained within or surrounded by the first piece 402 and a portion where more less fifty percent of the second piece 404 is surrounded by or contained within the first piece 402. Once extended, the second piece 404 has a length 418 of between about 8.5 inches and about 9 inches.

The middle portion 106 also includes a third piece 406 having a diameter 156 of between about 0.4 inches and about 0.6 inches. The third piece 406 is movably attached to the second piece 404 such that the third piece 406 is extendable from the second piece 404. More specifically, the third piece 406 is movable to extend from a position where more than fifty percent of the third piece 406 is contained within or surrounded by the second piece 404 and a portion where more less fifty percent of the third piece 406 is surrounded by or contained within the second piece 404. Once extended, the third piece 406 has a length 420 of between about 8.5 inches and about 9 inches.

The middle portion 106 also includes a fourth piece 408 having a diameter 158 of between about 0.4 inches and about 0.6 inches. The fourth piece 408 is movably attached to the third piece 406 such that the fourth piece 408 is extendable from the third piece 406. More specifically, the fourth piece 408 is movable to extend from a position where more than fifty percent of the fourth piece 408 is contained within or surrounded by the third piece 406 and a portion where more less fifty percent of the fourth piece 408 is surrounded by or contained within the third piece 406. Once extended, the fourth piece 408 has a length 422 of between about 8.5 inches and about 9 inches.

The middle portion 106 also includes a fifth piece 410 having a diameter 160 of between about 0.4 inches and about 0.6 inches. The fifth piece 410 is movably attached to the fourth piece 408 such that the fifth piece 410 is extendable from the fourth piece 408. More specifically, the fifth piece 410 is movable to extend from a position where more than fifty percent of the fifth piece 410 is contained within or surrounded by the fourth piece 408 and a portion where more less fifty percent of the fifth piece 410 is surrounded by or contained within the fourth piece 408. Once extended, the fifth piece 410 has a length 424 of between about 8.5 inches and about 9 inches.

The middle portion 106 also includes a sixth piece 412 having a diameter 162 of between about 0.3 inches and about 0.5 inches. The sixth piece 412 is movably attached to the fifth piece 410 such that the sixth piece 412 is extendable from the fifth piece 410. More specifically, the sixth piece 412 is movable to extend from a position where more than fifty percent of the sixth piece 412 is contained within or surrounded by the fifth piece 410 and a portion where more less fifty percent of the sixth piece 412 is surrounded by or contained within the fifth piece 410. Once extended, the sixth piece 412 has a length 426 of between about 8.5 inches and about 9 inches.

The middle portion 106 also includes a seventh piece 414 having a diameter 164 of between about 0.3 inches and about 0.5 inches. The seventh piece 414 is movably attached to the sixth piece 412 such that the seventh piece 414 is extendable from the sixth piece 412. More specifically, the seventh piece 414 is movable to extend from a position where more than fifty percent of the seventh piece 414 is contained within or surrounded by the sixth piece 412 and a portion where more less fifty percent of the seventh piece 414 is surrounded by or contained within the sixth piece 412. Once extended, the seventh piece 414 has a length 428 of between about 8.5 inches and about 9 inches.

The middle portion 106 also includes an end stem 166 having a diameter 168 of between about 0.2 inches and about 0.4 inches and a length 170 of between about 8 inches and about 8.5 inches. The end stem 166 couples the seventh piece 414 of the middle portion 106 to the end 148 of the element 144 of the tip portion 104.

Once the middle pieces 402, 404, 406, 408, 410, 412, 414 have been extended, the device 100 has a length of exactly the recommended social distance as measured from the first end 122 of the handle portion 102 to the end 150 of the tip portion. When retracted, the device 100 has a length of less than the recommended social distance. FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of two individuals 502, 504 not socially distanced. As shown in FIG. 5, the device 100 is in the hand of one individual 502, and not extended. The individuals 502, 504 are separated by a distance 506 that is less than the recommended social distance. FIG. 6 is a schematic illustration of the two individuals 502, 504 of FIG. 5 socially distanced using the social distancing device 100 of FIG. 1A. As shown in FIG. 6, the device 100 is fully extended and thus, the two individuals 502, 504 are properly socially distanced by a distance 508 of at least the recommended social distance.

In one embodiment, a social distancing device comprises: a handle portion, wherein the handle portion includes four indentations, a first end and a second end; a tip portion, wherein the tip portion comprises a circular element having a first tip portion end and a second tip portion end; and a middle portion coupled between the tip portion and the handle portion, wherein the middle portion comprises a plurality of pieces coupled together such that each piece has a different diameter, wherein the plurality of pieces are movable to extend to lengthen the middle portion and retract to shorten the middle portion, wherein each piece extends from a first position where more than fifty percent of a respective piece is contained within an adjacent piece and a second position where less than fifty percent of the respective piece is contained within the adjacent piece, wherein the social distance device has a length of exactly a recommended social distance from the first end to the first tip portion end when the middle portion is fully extended. Each indentation extends a distance of between about 0.1 inch and about 0.2 inches into the handle portion from an outer shell and wherein each indentation has a length of between about 0.5 inches and about 0.75 inches. The device further comprises: a lanyard attachment mechanism coupled to the first end, wherein the lanyard attachment mechanism comprises a stem portion and a ring portion; and a lanyard coupled to the lanyard attachment mechanism. The outer shell comprises black foam, wherein the lanyard attachment mechanism comprises steel and/or aluminum, and wherein the lanyard comprises fabric. The handle portion has a length of between about 4 inches and about 4.25 inches, wherein the handle portion has a width of between about 1 inch and about 1.25 inches. The circular element has a diameter of between about 0.3 inches and about 0.5 inches. The circular element comprises metal, plastic, or foam. The middle portion comprises a first piece fixedly attached to the second end of the handle portion, and wherein the first piece has a length of between about 5.75 inches and about 6 inches and a diameter of between about 0.4 inches and about 0.6 inches. The plurality of pieces comprises a second piece coupled to the first piece, and wherein the second piece has a length of between about 8.5 inches and about 9 inches and a diameter of between about 0.4 inches and about 0.6 inches when fully extended. The plurality of pieces comprises a third piece coupled to the second piece, and wherein the third piece has a length of between about 8.5 inches and about 9 inches and a diameter of between about 0.4 inches and about 0.6 inches when fully extended. The plurality of pieces comprises a fourth piece coupled to the third piece, and wherein the fourth piece has a length of between about 8.5 inches and about 9 inches and a diameter of between about 0.4 inches and about 0.6 inches when fully extended. The plurality of pieces comprises a fifth piece coupled to the fourth piece, and wherein the fifth piece has a length of between about 8.5 inches and about 9 inches and a diameter of between about 0.4 inches and about 0.6 inches when fully extended. The plurality of pieces comprises a sixth piece coupled to the fifth piece, and wherein the sixth piece has a length of between about 8.5 inches and about 9 inches and a diameter of between about 0.3 inches and about 0.5 inches when fully extended. The plurality of pieces comprises a seventh piece coupled to the sixth piece, wherein the seventh piece has a length of between about 8.5 inches and about 9 inches and a diameter of between about 0.3 inches and about 0.5 inches when fully extended, and wherein the seventh piece is coupled to the tip portion. The plurality of pieces comprise metal or plastic.

By using the social distancing device disclosed herein, a user is able to accurately measure the distance between themselves and another person. By having an accurate measurement of the recommended social distance, the user can move to a proper social distance and/or encourage an adjacent person to move to a proper social distance thereby reducing the likelihood of spreading a virus.

While the foregoing is directed to embodiments of the present disclosure, other and further embodiments of the disclosure may be devised without departing from the basic scope thereof, and the scope thereof is determined by the claims that follow. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A social distancing device, comprising: a handle portion, wherein the handle portion includes four indentations, a first end and a second end; a tip portion, wherein the tip portion comprises a circular element having a first tip portion end and a second tip portion end; and a middle portion coupled between the tip portion and the handle portion, wherein the middle portion comprises a plurality of pieces coupled together such that each piece has a different diameter, wherein the plurality of pieces are movable to extend to lengthen the middle portion and retract to shorten the middle portion, wherein each piece extends from a first position where more than fifty percent of a respective piece is contained within an adjacent piece and a second position where less than fifty percent of the respective piece is contained within the adjacent piece, wherein the social distance device has a length of exactly a recommended social distance from the first end to the first tip portion end when the middle portion is fully extended.
 2. The device of claim 1, wherein each indentation extends a distance of between about 0.1 inches and about 0.2 inches into the handle portion from an outer shell and wherein each indentation has a length of between about 0.5 inches and about 0.75 inches.
 3. The device of claim 2, further comprising: a lanyard attachment mechanism coupled to the first end, wherein the lanyard attachment mechanism comprises a stem portion and a ring portion; and a lanyard coupled to the lanyard attachment mechanism.
 4. The device of claim 3, wherein the outer shell comprises black foam, wherein the lanyard attachment mechanism comprises steel and/or aluminum, and wherein the lanyard comprises fabric.
 5. The device of claim 4, wherein the handle portion has a length of between about 4 inches and about 4.25 inches, wherein the handle portion has a width of between about 1 inch and about 1.25 inches.
 6. The device of claim 1, wherein the circular element has a diameter of between about 0.3 inches and about 0.5 inches.
 7. The device of claim 6, wherein the circular element comprises metal, plastic, or foam.
 8. The device of claim 1, wherein the middle portion comprises a first piece fixedly attached to the second end of the handle portion, and wherein the first piece has a length of between about 5.75 inches and about 6 inches and a diameter of between about 0.4 inches and about 0.6 inches.
 9. The device of claim 8, wherein the plurality of pieces comprises a second piece coupled to the first piece, and wherein the second piece has a length of between about 8.5 inches and about 9 inches and a diameter of between about 0.4 inches and about 0.6 inches when fully extended.
 10. The device of claim 9, wherein the plurality of pieces comprises a third piece coupled to the second piece, and wherein the third piece has a length of between about 8.5 inches and about 9 inches and a diameter of between about 0.4 inches and about 0.6 inches when fully extended.
 11. The device of claim 10, wherein the plurality of pieces comprises a fourth piece coupled to the third piece, and wherein the fourth piece has a length of between about 8.5 inches and about 9 inches and a diameter of between about 0.4 inches and about 0.6 inches when fully extended.
 12. The device of claim 11, wherein the plurality of pieces comprises a fifth piece coupled to the fourth piece, and wherein the fifth piece has a length of between about 8.5 inches and about 9 inches and a diameter of between about 0.4 inches and about 0.6 inches when fully extended.
 13. The device of claim 12, wherein the plurality of pieces comprises a sixth piece coupled to the fifth piece, and wherein the sixth piece has a length of between about 8.5 inches and about 9 inches and a diameter of between about 0.3 inches and about 0.5 inches when fully extended.
 14. The device of claim 13, wherein the plurality of pieces comprises a seventh piece coupled to the sixth piece, wherein the seventh piece has a length of between about 8.5 inches and about 9 inches and a diameter of between about 0.3 inches and about 0.5 inches when fully extended, and wherein the seventh piece is coupled to the tip portion.
 15. The device of claim 14, wherein the plurality of pieces comprise metal or plastic. 